Last season, the Niners beat Drew Brees and company on their way to and NFC Championship and a berth into Super Bowl XLVII. San Francisco also eliminated the Saints in the the playoffs during the previous season.

The Saints and 49ers used to be bitter rivals when the two franchises were in the same division (NFC South). Given that both teams are strong contenders in the NFC it appears the rivalry has been renewed.

Saints at Patriots

Another game to focus on will be the Saints vs. Patriots -- Tom Brady versus Drew Brees. It’s not very often future Hall of Fame signal callers go head-to-head.

Saints at Seattle

The Saints still have a bitter taste in their mouths from the 2011 playoff loss in Seattle. The Saints entered that game as 16-point favorites but got steam-rolled by Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch. Seattle is led offensively by second-year quarterback Russell Wilson and defensively the Seahawks are one of the best units in the NFC. Seattle is a difficult place to play and many experts are predicting that Pete Carroll's team will end up in Super Bowl XLVIII.

Saints at New York Jets

The Ryan Bowl. The Jets are coached by Rex Ryan. The Saints defensive coordinator is Rob Ryan. The twin brothers are larger-than-life figures who always provide great copy for journalists.

Saints at Bears

Sean Payton goes home. The Saints haven't fared well in Chicago, losing in the Windy City in 2006, 2007 and 2008. New Bears head coach Marc Trestman is a Sean Payton protege and Chicago's new offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer served as the Saints interim head coach during Sean Payton's suspension. The Bears also feature former Saints All-Pro Jermon Bushrod and former Tulane star Matt Forte.

Cowboys vs. Saints

America's team is always a big draw. Sean Payton's ties to "Big D" are also well documented. Both of these teams are hoping to be players in the NFC after missing the playoffs in 2012.

Week 8 vs. Buffalo: The Saints are 3-0 versus the Bills since conference realignment with victories by 20, 12, and 18 points, respectively.

Week 9 @ New York Jets: The brothers Ryan will compete versus each other in Metlife Stadium as Saints defensive coordinator Rob battles Jets head coach Rex.

Week 10 vs. Dallas (Sunday Night Football): One week after Rob Ryan takes on his team, he takes on the team he coached for last season.

Week 11 vs. San Francisco: This will be San Francisco’s third trip to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in a calendar year. The first was a 31-21 win over the Saints, and the second was a Super Bowl loss to Baltimore.

Week 12 @ Atlanta (Thursday Night Football): The Saints will travel to Atlanta on a short week. Sean Payton currently owns a 10-2 record versus the Falcons.

Week 13 @ Seattle (Monday Night Football): The Seahawks won all eight home games last year, but New Orleans will have extra rest for this one following a Thursday game at Atlanta.

Week 14 vs. Carolina: The first matchup between the Saints and Panthers doesn’t come until Week 14.

Week 15 @ St. Louis: Two years ago, a loss at St. Louis made the Saints travel to San Francisco in the postseason, possibly costing them another world title. Don’t expect another letdown here.

Week 16 @ Carolina: The Saints take on the Panthers for the second time in a three-week span.

Week 17 vs. Tampa Bay: New Orleans closes out the regular season at home versus the Bucs.

Week 8 vs. Buffalo: The Saints are 3-0 versus the Bills since conference realignment with victories by 20, 12, and 18 points, respectively.

Week 9 @ New York Jets: The brothers Ryan will compete versus each other in Metlife Stadium as Saints defensive coordinator Rob battles Jets head coach Rex.

Week 10 vs. Dallas (Sunday Night Football): One week after Rob Ryan takes on his team, he takes on the team he coached for last season.

Week 11 vs. San Francisco: This will be San Francisco’s third trip to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in a calendar year. The first was a 31-21 win over the Saints, and the second was a Super Bowl loss to Baltimore.

Week 12 @ Atlanta (Thursday Night Football): The Saints will travel to Atlanta on a short week. Sean Payton currently owns a 10-2 record versus the Falcons.

Week 13 @ Seattle (Monday Night Football): The Seahawks won all eight home games last year, but New Orleans will have extra rest for this one following a Thursday game at Atlanta.

Week 14 vs. Carolina: The first matchup between the Saints and Panthers doesn’t come until Week 14.

Week 15 @ St. Louis: Two years ago, a loss at St. Louis made the Saints travel to San Francisco in the postseason, possibly costing them another world title. Don’t expect another letdown here.

Week 16 @ Carolina: The Saints take on the Panthers for the second time in a three-week span.

Week 17 vs. Tampa Bay: New Orleans closes out the regular season at home versus the Bucs.

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